News From The Winery

Spring 2010

It's always sad to see the snow melting and the skifields putting up the closed signs. Another season on the mountains is over...giving way to another season in the vineyards! Cool.

The Home Block had a good prune and we set to work on a new vineyard in the Earnscleugh region of the Basin; Terrace Vineyard. This is the first season we've managed a Pinot Noir block in Earnscleugh and we're looking forward to getting this block back in shape for harvest next year. A 'year off' hasn't done a lot for the vines, but Dylan and team will get the block looking great and ready for vintage in no time.

November saw some very hot temperatures that really kick started the vines growing cycle. One day we had a few leaves here and there, the next (at least it seemed like the next!) we had a full blown canopy that was getting out of control! It was hot!

We started to send out some new wines for review as Spring really took off, entering several media tastings to see how things would go. As usual, our Pioneer Series Pinot Gris tasted out exceptionally well and we were delighted at the 4-Star rating our 2007 Devils Backbone Pinot Noir received from Winestate Magazine. We knew this wine was drinking beautifully, but it's always a bonus to get that third party endorsement.

Our newest label, The BBQ Wine Co., was also sent off for the critics to have their say. BBQ Red is 100% Pinot Noir from the 2009 vintage and the wine received a 3-Star endorsement from the pros at TiZwine.com! Stoked. This is a bright, spicy, easy drinking red that, as the name suggests, is made for the BBQ and any grilling foods you love. The wine is made for the summer, picnics and good times and at the $15 price tag you can enjoy this red all summer long!


What 'they're' saying...

We don't go out of our way to make 'competition winners' at Shaky Bridge ; we're too busy making delicious wines that we know wine lovers will enjoy!
That said, we never say no to good press! Here's a few comments we've received on our current releases...so far!!

2010 BBQ White
BEST BUY, TiZwine.com, March 2011
"...this wine is superb value at just $10 a bottle. It is a blend of 55% gewurztraminer, 30% chardonnay and 15% riesling and the outcome is delicious. There are gewurz aromas of turkish delight and rose petal with a little elderflower thrown in. The fruit weight in the palate is good and there is a clean, dry, crisp finish."

2009 Shaky Bridge Pinot Noir
91 points, Wine Orbit, December 2010
It's fabulously ripe on the nose displaying dark cherry, plum and meaty characters. The palate is concentrated and silky smooth showing good density and plenty of supple tannins. A beautifully crafted and generously flavoured Pinot with a huge appeal.

2007 Devils Backbone Pinot Noir
Featured in 'Annual Best of the Best from NZ 2010', Winestate 2010/11
Floral Alexandra red fruit with ripe fruit aromas, vibrant fruit characters and a finely balanced palate. Described by one judge as "sweet and voluptuous, but with balanced acidity"

2010 Pioneer Series Pinot Gris
TiZwine.com, September 2010
Otago Pinot Gris that is very concentrated and rich with flavours of pears and peaches. This fruit weight is most appealing and works well with the acidity and bold alcohol. Good wine and value.